​Have you used an IRA to accumulate assets for retirement? The IRA is one of the most popular retirement savings vehicles. There are a few different IRA variations, but the Roth has become increasingly popular in recent years. Roth IRA balances grew 51 percent from 2010 to 2013, while traditional IRA balances grew 28 percent over that same period. In 2013 more than $6 billion was contributed to Roth accounts, while only $4.61 billion was contributed to traditional IRAs.1
 
One reason for the Roth’s popularity is its unique tax treatment. You make after-tax contributions to a Roth. However, your funds grow tax-deferred inside the Roth, and your withdrawals are tax-free as long as you wait until age 59½. That means you can use a Roth to create a tax-free income stream in retirement.
 
Fortunately, even if you’ve used a traditional IRA to accumulate assets, you can use a strategy known as a Roth conversion and still take advantage of the Roth’s unique tax structure. This strategy isn’t right for everyone, but it can be effective in the right situation. A financial professional can help you determine whether it’s right for you.

​Filing early provides you with an immediate source of guaranteed income. Delaying Social Security increases the benefit you’ll ultimately receive down the road. So when is the right time to file? The truth is, there’s no one right answer to that question because it depends on your individual circumstances.
 
Whatever you ultimately choose, it’s important to consider your options carefully. It may be one of the most important decisions you make affecting your retirement. Once you decide to file, you can’t change your mind.
 
Below are a few things you may want to take into account as you prepare to make this major decision.

​Struggling to save for your child’s education? You’re not alone. A recent study from from Fidelity, 70 percent of parents want to fully pay for their child’s tuition and education costs. However, the same study found that the average parents are on track to cover only 29 percent of the costs by the child’s freshman year.1
 
College is a difficult financial goal for many families. Unfortunately, it’s only getting more difficult. A recent study found that the average tuition for a private, nonprofit college rose 129 percent from 1988 to 2018. Tuition for public college rose 213 percent over the same period.2
 
You can use a wide range of accounts and tools to save for college. You may find it difficult to know which is right for you. Below are three common savings tools. Each offers its own benefits and considerations. Your financial professional can help you choose the strategy that’s right for you.